How To Spot A Fake Designer Handbag

Cris Zander, owner of a San Francisco consignment shop, holds what looks like a gently used Louis Vuitton handbag. But is it real? Photo: Wendy S. Goffe Let’s say you have some spare cash after the holidays (maybe from an unwanted gift you returned) and would like to treat yourself to a designer handbag — perhaps by Louis Vuitton , Chanel or Coach . You could go to one of their boutiques or department store counters. But a growing number of people looking for bargains will shop for these goods through online discounters, or buy them on the secondary market, online or at consignment shops. That’s a bit of a gamble, though, because you can’t be sure you’re getting the real thing. For example, in the course of reporting the story, Luxury For Less: New Web Sites And Shops Offer Gently Used Designer Goods , Forbes contributor Wendy Goffe bought the handbag pictured above at the...